FRONT AXLE &

FRONT SUSPENSION
GI

SECTION

FA

MA
EM
LC

CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATION....................... 2
Precautions ............................................................. 2
Special Service Tools.............................................. 2
Commercial Service Tools ...................................... 3
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING. ............................................... 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart.................................... 4
FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM ............................... 5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ............................................. 6
Front Axle and Front Suspension Parts ................. 6
Front Wheel Bearing............................................... 7
Front Wheel Alignment ........................................... 7

Drive Shaft ............................................................ 10

FRONT AXLE ........................................................... 11
Wheel Hub and Knuckle ....................................... 12
Drive Shaft ............................................................ 16
FRONT SUSPENSION ............................................. 24
Coil Spring and Strut Assembly............................ 25
Stabilizer Bar......................................................... 26
Transverse Link and Lower Ball Joint .................. 27
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ..... 29
General Specifications .......................................... 29
Inspection and Adjustment.................................... 29

EC
FE
CL
MT
AT
FA
RA
BR
ST
RS
BT
HA
EL
IDX

PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATION

Precautions

SBR686C

When installing rubber parts, final tightening must be

carried out under unladen condition* with tires on
ground.
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire,
jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
After installing suspension parts, check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake
tubes.
Always torque brake lines when installing.

Special Service Tools

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name

Description

HT72520000
(J25730-A)
Ball joint remover

Removing tie-rod outer end and lower ball

joint

NT146

KV38106700
(J34296)
KV38106800
(J34297)
Differential side oil seal protector

Installing drive shaft

LH: KV38106700
RH: KV38106800

NT147

FA-2

PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATION

Commercial Service Tools
Tool name

Description

GI

Attachment
Wheel Alignment

Measure wheel alignment

a:
b:
c:
d:
e:

NT148

1 Flare nut crowfoot

s
2 Torque wrench
s

Screw m24 x 1.5

35 mm (1.38 in) dia.
65 mm (2.56 in) dia.
56 mm (2.20 in)
12 mm (0.47 in)

Removing and installing brake piping

MA
EM
LC
EC

a: 10 mm (0.39 in)

NT360

FE
Spring compressor

Removing and installing coil spring

CL
MT

NT717

AT
FA
RA
BR
ST
RS
BT
HA
EL
IDX

FA-3

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING.

NVH Troubleshooting Chart

DRIVESHAFT

TIRES

X X

Shake

NVH in BR section

DRIVESHAFT

BRAKES

NVH in ST section

ROAD WHEEL

STEERING

TIRES

NVH in RA section

Non-uniformity

REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION

Deformation or damage

Wheels and Tires in GI section

Uneven tire wear

Incorrect tire size

Incorrect air pressure

FA-7, SDS FA-29

Out-of-round

FA-7

SDS in MA section

Wheel bearing damage, looseness

Imbalance

FA-6
Stabilizer bar fatigue

FA-24

FA-7, SDS FA-29

Incorrect wheel alignment

Suspension looseness

FA-6,

Parts interference

Spring fatigue

Bushing or mounting deterioration

FA-25
Shock absorber deformation,
Damage or deflection

FA-5, 24
Improper installation, looseness

Noise, Vibration

FRONT AXLE Noise

AND FRONT
Shake
SUSPENSION
Vibration

Symptom

FA-20

Possible cause and

SUSPECTED PARTS

Joint sliding resistance

Reference page

Excessive joint angle

Use the chart below to find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts

X X X X X
X

X X X X X

X X X X

X X

X X

X X X X X X

X X X

Shimmy

X X

Judder

Poor quality
Ride or handling

X X X

Noise

X X X X X X

Shake

X X X

X X
X

X X X X X
X X X X X

X X X

X X X
X

X X X X

X X X X X

X X

X X X X

X X

Vibration

Shimmy

X X X X X X X X

X X X

Judder

X X X X X

X X

X X X

Poor quality
Ride or handling

X X X X X

X X

X X

ROAD WHEEL Noise

X X

X X X

Shake

X X

X X

X X X

Shimmy, judder

X X

X X

X X

Poor quality
Ride or handling

X X

X X

X : Applicable

FA-4

FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM

GI
MA
EM
LC
EC
FE
CL
MT
AT
FA
RA
BR
ST
RS
BT
WFA002

1
s
2
s
3
s
4
s

Suspension member
Stabilizer bar
Drive shaft
Rebound stopper

5
s
6
s
7
s
8
s

Dynamic damper
Transverse link
Knuckle
Strut assembly

9
s
10
s
11
s
12
s

Coil spring
Strut mounting insulator
assembly
Tower bar bracket (if equipped)
Strut tower bar (if equipped)

HA
EL
IDX

FA-5

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Front Axle and Front Suspension Parts
Check front axle and front suspension parts for excessive
play, cracks, wear or other damage.
a. Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.
b. Make sure that cotter pin is inserted.

If looseness is noted, check wheel bearing axial end play,

then ball joint for play.

SMA525A

c.

Retighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque.

Tightening torque:
Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION, FA-24.

SMA614

SFA307B

Check spring height from top of wheelarch to ground using

the following procedure:
a. Park vehicle on a level surface with vehicle unladen*.
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
b. Check tires for proper inflation and wear (tread wear indicator must not be showing).
c. Bounce vehicle up and down several times and measure
dimensions Hf and Hr. Refer to FA-30.
Spring height is not adjustable. If out of specification, check
for worn springs or suspension parts.

SFA818A

Check strut (shock absorber) for oil leakage or other damage.

Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint
dust cover for cracks or other damage. If ball joint dust
cover is cracked or damaged, replace transverse link.

SFA392B

FA-6

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Front Axle and Front Suspension Parts
(Contd)

SFA504A

Check suspension ball joint end play.

a. Jack up front of vehicle and set the stands.
b. Clamp dial indicator onto transverse link and place indicator tip on lower edge of brake caliper.
c. Make sure front wheels are straight and brake pedal is
depressed.
d. Place a pry bar between transverse link and inner rim of
road wheel.
e. While pushing and releasing pry bar, observe maximum dial
indicator value.
Vertical end play:
0 mm (0 in)
If ball joint vertical end play exists, remove the transverse
link and recheck the ball joint. Refer to FA-27.

GI
MA
EM
LC
EC
FE
CL

Front Wheel Bearing

MT

Check that wheel bearings operate smoothly.

AT
Check axial end play.
Axial end play:
0.05 mm (0.0020 in) or less
If out of specification or wheel bearing does not turn FA
smoothly, replace wheel bearing assembly.
Refer to FA-12.

RA

SFA484A

Front Wheel Alignment

BR

Before checking front wheel alignment, be sure to make a preST

liminary inspection (Unladen*).
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand
tools and mats in designated positions.

RS
BT

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
Aluminum wheel

SFA975B

HA
EL

1. Check tires for wear and proper inflation.

2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
IDX
a. Remove tire from aluminum wheel and mount on a tire
balance machine.
b. Set dial indicator as shown in the illustration.
Wheel runout: (Dial indicator value):
Refer to SDS, FA-30.

FA-7

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Front Wheel Alignment (Contd)
3.
4.
5.
6.

Check front wheel bearings for looseness.

Check front suspension for looseness.
Check steering linkage for looseness.
Check that struts work properly by using the standard
bounce test.
7. Check vehicle posture (Unladen).

Steel wheel

SFA981B

1. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.

2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
a. Remove tire from steel wheel and mount wheel on a tire
balance machine.
b. Set two dial indicators as shown in the illustrations.
c. Set each dial indicator to 0.
d. Rotate wheel, and check dial indicators at several points
around the circumference of the wheel.
e. Calculate runout at each point as shown below.
Radial runout = (A+B)/2
Lateral runout = (C+D)/2
f. Select maximum positive runout value and the maximum
negative value.
Add the two values to determine total runout.
In case a positive or negative value is not available, use
the maximum value (negative or positive) for total runout.
Wheel runout:
Refer to SDS, FA-30
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.
5. Check steering linkage for looseness.
6. Check that front struts work properly by using the standard
bounce test.
7. Check vehicle posture (unladen).

CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION

Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory
and cannot be adjusted.
1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right
and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
Camber, caster and kingpin inclination:
Refer to SDS, FA-29.
2. If camber, caster and kingpin inclination are not within
specification, inspect front suspension parts. Replace
damaged or worn out parts.
SFA948A

FA-8

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Front Wheel Alignment (Contd)
TOE-IN

AFA050

Measure toe-in using the following procedure.

WARNING:

Always perform the following procedure on a flat

surface.

Make sure that no one is in front of the vehicle before

pushing it.
1. Bounce front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of tread (rear side) of both tires at
the same height as hub center. These are measuring points.
4. Measure distance A (rear side).
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180
degrees (1/2 turn).
If the wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn),
try the above procedure again from the beginning. Never
push vehicle backward.
6. Measure distance B (front side).
Total toe-in (A-B):
Refer to SDS, FA-29.

GI
MA
EM
LC
EC
FE
CL

SFA234AC

7. Adjust toe-in by varying the length of steering tie-rods.

a. Loosen lock nuts.
b. Adjust toe-in by screwing tie-rods in or out.
Standard length L:
Refer to ST-24 section (General
Specifications, SDS).
c. Tighten lock nuts to specified torque.
: 37 - 46 Nzm (3.8 - 4.7 kg-m, 27 - 35 ft-lb)

MT
AT
FA
RA

AFA129

BR
ST
RS
BT
SFA486A

HA
EL
IDX

FA-9

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Front Wheel Alignment (Contd)
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE

SFA439BA

1. Set wheels in straight-ahead position. Move vehicle forward

until front wheels rest properly on turning radius gauge.
2. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure
turning angle.

Turn steering wheel to full lock and apply force (at circumference of steering wheel) of 98 to 147 N (10 to 15 kg, 22
to 33 lb) with engine at idle.

Do not hold the steering wheel on full lock for more

than 15 seconds.
Wheel turning angle (Full turn):
Refer to SDS, FA-29.

Drive Shaft
Check for grease leakage or other damage.

SFA310B

FA-10

FRONT AXLE

GI
MA
EM
LC
EC
FE
CL
MT
AT
FA
RA
BR
ST
RS
BT
HA
EL
IDX

AFA173

FA-11

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle
REMOVAL
CAUTION:
Before removing the front axle assembly, disconnect the
ABS wheel sensor from the assembly. Move it away from
the front axle assembly area. Failure to do so may result in
damaged sensor wires and the sensor becoming inoperative.
1. Remove wheel bearing lock nut.
SFA090A

2. Remove brake caliper assembly and rotor.

Brake hose need not be disconnected from brake caliper.

Suspend brake caliper with wire so as not to stretch

brake hose.

Make sure brake hose is not twisted.

Be careful not to depress brake pedal, or caliper piston

will pop out.

SFA701

3. Separate tie-rod from knuckle with Tool.

Install stud nut conversely on stud bolt to prevent damage to stud bolt.

AFA128

4. Remove strut lower mounting bolts.

AFA047

5. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. If it

is hard to remove, use a puller.

When removing drive shaft, cover boots with shop

towel to prevent damaging them.

SFA986

FA-12

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)
6. Loosen lower ball joint tightening nut.
7. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool.
8. Remove knuckle from transverse link.

GI
MA
EM

SFA345B

INSTALLATION

SFA441B

1. Install knuckle with wheel hub.

Replace strut lower mounting nuts.

When installing knuckle to strut, be sure to hold bolts

while tightening nuts.
: 167 - 186 Nzm (17 - 19 kg-m, 123 - 137 ft-lb)
2. Tighten tie-rod ball joint nut.
: 29 - 39 Nzm (3.0 - 4.0 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft-lb)

Apply ATF to threaded portion of drive shaft and both

sides of plain washer.
3. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut.
: 235 - 314 Nzm (24 - 32 kg-m, 174 - 231 ft-lb)
4. Check wheel bearing axial end play.
Axial end play:
0.05 mm (0.0020 in) or less.

LC
EC
FE
CL
MT
AT
FA
RA

DISASSEMBLY

AFA130

CAUTION:
When removing wheel hub or wheel bearing from knuckle,
replace wheel bearing assembly (outer race, inner race and
grease seals) with a new one.
Wheel bearing does not usually require maintenance. If any
of the following symptoms are noted, replace wheel bearing assembly.

Growling noise is emitted from wheel bearing during operation.

Wheel bearing drags or turns roughly. This occurs when

turning hub by hand after bearing lock nut is tightened to
specified torque.

Wheel hub

BR
ST
RS
BT
HA
EL

Press out hub with inner race (outside) from knuckle with a
suitable tool.
IDX

FA-13

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)
Wheel bearing
When replacing wheel bearing, replace wheel bearing
assembly (inner race and outer race).
1. Remove bearing inner race (outside), then remove outer
grease seal.

SFA654A

2. Remove inner grease seal from knuckle.

AFA127

3. Remove inner and outer snap rings.

SFA685

4. Press out bearing outer race.

SFA496A

INSPECTION
Wheel hub and knuckle
Check wheel hub and knuckle for cracks by using a magnetic
exploration or dyeing test.

Snap ring
Check snap ring for wear or cracks. Replace if necessary.

FA-14

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)
ASSEMBLY
1. Install inner snap ring into groove of knuckle.
2. Press new wheel bearing assembly into knuckle.
GI
Maximum load P:
29 kN (3 ton, 3.3 US ton, 3.0 lmp ton)
CAUTION:
MA

Do not press inner race of wheel bearing assembly.

Do not apply oil or grease to mating surfaces of wheel

bearing outer race and knuckle.
EM
3. Install outer snap ring into groove of knuckle.
SFA655A

4. Pack grease seal lip with multi-purpose grease.

LC
EC
FE
CL

SFA747

5. Install outer grease seal.

Maximum load P:
10 kN (1 ton, 1.1 US ton, 1.0 Imp ton)

MT
AT
FA
RA

SFA656A

6. Install inner grease seal.

Maximum load P:
10 kN (1 ton, 1.1 US ton, 1.0 Imp ton)

BR
ST
RS
BT

SFA657A

7. Press wheel hub into knuckle.

Maximum load P:
29 kN (3 ton, 3.3 US ton, 3.0 Imp ton)

Be careful not to damage grease seal.

HA
EL
IDX

SFA658A

FA-15

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)
8. Check bearing operation.
a. Add load P with press.
Load P:
34.3 - 68.7 kN
(3.5 - 7.0 ton, 3.9 - 7.7 US ton, 3.44 - 6.89 Imp
ton)

SFA659A

b. Spin knuckle several turns in both directions.

c. Make sure that wheel bearings operate smoothly.

SFA182A

Drive Shaft
REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel bearing lock nut.

Brake caliper need not be disconnected.

Do not twist or stretch brake hose when moving components.

SFA649A

2. Remove strut lower mounting bolts.

3. Remove brake hose clip.

AFA047

4. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by slightly tapping it.

When removing drive shaft, cover boots with shop towel to
prevent damage to them.
Refer to FRONT AXLE Wheel Hub and Knuckle (FA-12).

SFA496B

FA-16

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
5. Remove support bearing bolts and pull drive shaft from transaxle.

GI
MA
EM
SFA989

6. Remove left drive shaft with a suitable tool.

FOR M/T MODELS

Pry drive shaft from transaxle as shown at left.

LC
EC
FE
CL

SFA991

MT

FOR A/T MODELS

Insert screwdriver into transaxle opening for right drive shaft

and strike with a hammer.
AT

Be careful not to damage pinion mate shaft and side

gear.

FA
RA
BR
ST
RS
BT
AFA035

INSTALLATION
Transaxle side

HA
EL

1. Drive a new oil seal to transaxle. Refer to MT-7 or AT-209

section (Differential Side Oil Seal Replacement, ON-VEHICLE SERVICE).
IDX
2. Set Tool along the inner circumference of oil seal (transaxle
side).

AFA033

FA-17

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
3. Insert drive shaft into transaxle. Be sure to properly align the
serrations and then withdraw Tool.
4. Push drive shaft, then press-fit circular clip on the drive
shaft into circular clip groove of side gear.
5. After its insertion, try to pull the flange out of the slide joint
by hand. If it pulls out, the circular clip is not properly
meshed with the side gear.

Wheel side
AFA034

1. Install drive shaft into knuckle.

2. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut. Refer to FA-13.

COMPONENTS
CAUTION:

Circular clips should be properly meshed with differential side gear (transaxle side) and with
joint assembly (wheel side). Make sure they will not come out.

Be careful not to damage boots. Use suitable protector or cloth during removal and installation.

AFA133

DISASSEMBLY
Transaxle side
1. Remove boot bands.
2. Put matching marks on slide joint housing and inner race,
before separating joint assembly.
3. Remove snap ring A with a screwdriver, and pull out slide
joint housing.

SFA476

FA-18

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
4. Put matching marks on inner race and drive shaft.
5. Remove snap ring C, then remove ball cage, inner race
and balls as a unit.
GI
6. Remove snap ring B.
7. Draw out boot.

Cover drive shaft serrations with tape so as not to dam- MA

age the boot.

EM
SFA514A

Wheel side

LC

CAUTION:
The joint on the wheel side cannot be disassembled.
EC
1. Before separating joint assembly, put matching marks on
drive shaft and joint assembly.
FE
2. Separate joint assembly with a suitable tool.

Be careful not to damage threads on drive shaft.

3. Remove boot bands.

CL

SFA092A

4. Remove the sensor rotor using suitable puller and bearing

replacer.

MT
AT
FA
RA

SBR984C

Support bearing

BR

1. Remove dust shield.

ST
RS
BT
SFA442B

2. Remove snap ring.

HA
EL
IDX

SFA692

FA-19

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
3. Press support bearing assembly off drive shaft.

SFA693

4. Separate support bearing from retainer.

SFA617

INSPECTION
Thoroughly clean all parts in cleaning solvent, then dry with
compressed air. Check parts for evidence of deformation or
other damage.

Drive shaft
Replace drive shaft if it is twisted or cracked.

Boot
Check boot for fatigue, cracks, or wear. Replace boot with new
boot bands.

Joint assembly (Transaxle side)

Replace joint assembly if it is deformed, damaged or operates
abnormally.

Joint assembly (Wheel side)

Replace joint assembly if it is deformed, damaged or operates
abnormally.

Support bearing
Make sure wheel bearing rolls freely and is free from noise,
cracks, pitting or wear.

Support bearing bracket

Check support bearing bracket for cracks with a magnetic exploration or dyeing test.

FA-20

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION:

After drive shaft has been assembled, ensure that it GI

moves smoothly over its entire range without binding.

Use NISSAN Genuine Grease or equivalent after every

overhaul.
MA

EM

Wheel side

LC

1. Install boot and new small boot band on drive shaft.

Cover drive shaft serration with tape so as not to dam- EC

age boot during installation.

FE
CL
SFA800

MT

2. Set joint assembly onto drive shaft by lightly tapping it.

Make sure joint assembly matching marks which were
made during disassembly are properly aligned.
AT

FA
RA
SFA130A

BR

3. Pack drive shaft with specified amount of grease.

Specified amount of grease:
100 - 120 g (3.53 - 4.23 oz)
ST
4. Make sure that boot is properly installed on the drive shaft
groove.
Set boot so that it does not swell and deform when its length RS
is L1.
Length L1:
84.5 - 86.5 mm (3.327 - 3.406 in)
BT
SFA456B

5. Lock new larger and smaller boot bands securely with a

suitable tool.

HA
EL
IDX

SFA443B

FA-21

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
6. Install the sensor rotor. For front sensor rotor, use hammer
and wooden block. For rear sensor rotor, use suitable drift
and press.

Always replace sensor rotor with new one.

SBR985C

Dynamic damper
1. Use new damper bands when installing.
2. Install dynamic damper from stationary-joint side while holding it securely.
Length:
Unit: mm (in)
A/T

M/T

RE4F04A

RS5F50A

RH

LH

RH

LH

203.1
(8.00)

196.6
(7.31)

203.1
(8.00)

196.6
(7.31)

70
(2.76)

70
(1.97)

70
(2.76)

70
(1.97)

SFA313B

Transaxle side
1. Install boot and new small boot band on drive shaft.

Cover drive shaft serration with tape so as not to damage boot during installation.

SFA800

2. Install new snap ring B, then securely install ball cage,

inner race and balls as a unit, making sure the marks which
were made during disassembly are properly aligned.
3. Install new snap ring C.

SFA514A

4. Pack drive shaft with specified amount of grease.

Specified amount of grease:
145 - 165 g (5.11 - 5.82 oz)
5. Install slide joint housing, then install new snap ring A.
6. Make sure that boot is properly installed on the drive shaft
groove.
Set boot so that it does not swell and deform when its length
is L2.
Length L2:
97 - 99 mm (3.82 - 3.90 in)
SFA149A

FA-22

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)
7. Lock new larger and smaller boot bands securely with a
suitable tool.

GI
MA
EM
SFA395

Support bearing

LC

1. Install bearing into retainer.

EC
FE
CL
SFA618

2. Press drive shaft into bearing.

MT
AT
FA
RA

SFA694

3. Install snap ring.

4. Install new dust shield.

BR
ST
RS
BT

SFA444B

HA
EL
IDX

FA-23

FRONT SUSPENSION

WFA001

1
s
2
s
3
s
4
s
5
s
6
s
7
s
8
s

Bound bumper with dust cover

Upper spring seat
Dust seal
Strut insulator
Cap
Spacer
Tower bar bracket (if equipped)
Strut tower bar (if equipped)

9
s
10
s
11
s
12
s
13
s
14
s
15
s

(Polyurethane tube)
Coil spring
Front suspension damper
assembly (A/T models except
XE)
Front suspension member
Stabilizer clamp
Stabilizer
Compression rod clamp

FA-24

16
s
17
s
18
s
19
s
20
s
21
s
22
s
23
s
24
s

Transverse link
Cotter pin
Drive shaft
Cotter pin
Wheel bearing lock nut
Plain washer
Baffle plate
Knuckle
Strut assembly

FRONT SUSPENSION
Coil Spring and Strut Assembly
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

GI

Remove strut assembly fixing bolts and nuts (from

hoodledge).
WARNING:
MA
Do not remove piston rod lock nut on vehicle.

EM
AFA124

DISASSEMBLY

SSU002

LC

1. Set strut assembly in vise, then loosen piston rod lock nut.
EC
WARNING:
Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time.
2. Compress spring with Tool so that the strut mounting insuFE
lator can be turned by hand.
WARNING:
Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are CL
firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must
be tightened alternately so as not to tilt the spring.
3. Remove piston rod lock nut.

MT
AT
FA
RA

SSU003

INSPECTION
Strut assembly

BR

Check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both com- ST

pression and extension.
Check for oil leakage occurring on welded or gland packing
RS
portion.
Check piston rod for cracks, deformation or other damage.
Replace if necessary.

BT

Strut mounting insulator

Check cemented rubber-to-metal portion for separation or HA

cracks.
Check rubber parts for deterioration.

Thrust bearing

Check thrust bearing parts for abnormal noise or excessive

rattle in axial direction.
IDX
Replace if necessary.

Coil spring and insulator

EL

Check for cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace if

necessary.

FA-25

FRONT SUSPENSION
Coil Spring and Strut Assembly (Contd)
ASSEMBLY

When installing coil spring on strut, it must be positioned as

shown in the figure at left.

Install upper spring seat with its cutout facing the outer side
of vehicle, in line with the strut-to-knuckle attachment
points.
Replace strut lower mounting nuts.
When installing strut to knuckle, be sure to hold bolts
and tighten nuts.
: 167 - 186 Nzm
(17 - 19 kg-m, 123 - 137 ft-lb)

AFA031

SFA664A

Stabilizer Bar
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Remove stabilizer bar.

When installing stabilizer, make sure the paint mark and

clamp face in their correct directions.

Make sure that slit in bushing is in the position shown in the

figure.

AFA125

SFA318B

SFA358B

FA-26

FRONT SUSPENSION
Stabilizer Bar (Contd)
INSPECTION

Check stabilizer for deformation or cracks. Replace if necessary.

GI
Check rubber bushings for deterioration or cracks. Replace
if necessary.
Check that ball joint can rotate in all directions. If movement MA
is not smooth and free, replace stabilizer bar link.

EM
ARA027

Transverse Link and Lower Ball Joint

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

LC
EC

1. Remove stabilizer connecting rod from transverse link.

2. Remove cotter pin and lock nut securing lower ball joint to
knuckle.
FE
3. Strike knuckle with a hammer to separate lower ball joint
from knuckle.

CL
MT

4. Remove bolts and nuts shown at left.

5. Remove transverse link and lower ball joint.
6. Install fixing bolts and nuts.
AT

During installation, final tightening must be carried out

at curb weight with tires on the ground.
Tightening torque:
FA
Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION, FA-24.
7. After installation, check wheel alignment. Refer to FA-7.

RA
AFA017

INSPECTION

BR

Check transverse link for damage, cracks or deformation.

ST
Replace if necessary.
Check rubber bushing for damage, cracks and deformation.
Replace transverse link if necessary.

RS
BT
HA
EL
IDX

FA-27

FRONT SUSPENSION
Transverse Link and Lower Ball Joint
(Contd)

SFA858A

Check ball joint for play. Replace transverse link assembly

if any of the following cases occur:
Ball stud is worn.
Joint is hard to swing.
Play in axial direction is excessive.
Before checking, turn ball joint at least 10 revolutions so
that ball joint is properly broken in.
Swinging force A:
(measuring point: cotter pin hole of ball stud):
7.8 - 54.9 N (0.8 - 5.6 kg, 1.8 - 12.3 lb)
Turning torque B:
0.5 - 3.4 Nzm (5 - 35 kg-cm, 4.3 - 30.4 in-lb)
Vertical end play C:
0 mm (0 in)
Check dust cover for damage. Replace it and cover clamp
if necessary.

FA-28

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

General Specifications
Suspension type

Independent Macpherson Struts

Strut type

Double-acting hydraulic

Stablizer

Standard equipment

GI
MA

Inspection and Adjustment

EM

WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Unladen*1)

Camber

Minimum

0518 (0.85)

Nominal

0068 (0.10)

Maximum
Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Left and right difference
Caster

Kingpin inclination

Total toe-in
Distance (A B)

Wheel turning angle

Inside

Full turn*2
Outside

458 (0.75)
1558 (1.92)

Nominal

2408 (2.67)

Maximum

3258 (3.42)
458 (0.75)

Minimum

13208 (13.33)

Nominal
Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Maximum

14058 (14.08)
14508 (14.83)

Minimum

0 (0)

Nominal

1 (0.04)

mm (in) Maximum

Angle (left plus right)

0398 (0.65)

Minimum

Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Left and right difference

LC
EC
FE
CL
MT
AT

2 (0.08)

Minimum

08 (0.00)

Nominal
Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Maximum

68 (0.10)

FA

128 (0.20)

Minimum

32068 (32.10)

Nominal
Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Maximum

35068 (35.10)

Minimum

26188 (26.30)

Nominal
Degree minute
(Decimal degree) Maximum

29188 (29.30)

36068 (36.10)

RA
BR
ST

30188 (30.30)

*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: On power steering models, wheel turning force (at circumference of steering wheel) of 98 to 147 N (10 to 15 kg, 22 to 33 lb) with engine
idle.

RS
BT
HA
EL
IDX

FA-29

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

Inspection and Adjustment (Contd)
WHEELARCH HEIGHT (Unladen*)

WHEEL RUNOUT
Wheel type

Unit: mm (in)

Aluminum wheel

Steel wheel

Maximum radial
runout limit

0.3 (0.012) or
less

0.5 (0.020) or
less

Maximum lateral
runout limit

0.3 (0.012) or
less

0.8 (0.031) or
less

DRIVE SHAFT
SFA818A

Applied model
Applied model

XE/GLE/GXE

SE

All

Joint type

Front (Hf)

mm (in)

691 (27.20)

690 (27.17)

Transaxle side

DS90

Rear (Hr)

mm (in)

680 (26.77)

678 (26.69)

Wheel side

BF90

*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand
tools and mats in designated positions.

Boot length

mm (in)

Transaxle side (L2)

97 - 99 (3.82 - 3.90)

Wheel side (L1)

WHEEL BEARING

84.5 - 86.5 (3.327 - 3.406)

NISSAN Genuine Grease
or equivalent

Grease

Wheel bearing axial end play

limit
mm (in)

0.05 (0.0020) or less

Wheel bearing lock nut tightening

torque
Nzm (kg-m, ft-lb)

235 - 314 (24 - 32, 174 - 231)

Capacity

g (oz)

Transaxle side

145 - 165 (5.11 - 5.82)

Wheel side

100 - 120 (3.53 - 4.23)

LOWER BALL JOINT

Swinging force
(Measured at cotter pin hole)
N (kg, lb)
Turning torque
Nzm (kg-cm, in-lb)
Vertical end play limit
mm (in)

7.8 - 54.9 (0.8 - 5.6, 1.8 - 12.3)

0.5 - 3.4 (5 - 35, 4.3 - 30.4)
0 (0)

SFA961A

SFA962A

FA-30